French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that prolonged disruption and rising geopolitical tensions could trigger significant energy shortages worldwide.
Speaking in Athens alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Macron emphasized that restoring access to the vital shipping route remains a priority in the coming weeks.
He also cautioned that uncertainty alone could exacerbate supply pressures, even before physical shortages fully materialize.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global trade, typically carries about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply, along with essential goods such as fertilisers and pharmaceuticals.
Its disruption has intensified amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which has seen Tehran seize container ships while Washington enforces a blockade on Iranian ports.
Macron stated, “Our goal is to achieve a full reopening in the coming days and weeks, in accordance with international law, guaranteeing freedom of navigation without tolls on the Strait of Hormuz. Then things can gradually return to normal.”
More than a dozen countries have signaled willingness to join a France- and Britain-led mission to secure maritime traffic when conditions allow.
The urgency of reopening the strait has been reinforced by warnings from the energy sector.
TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne said continued conflict could push the world into scarcity within months.
“If it lasts two, three months more, we are entering in a world of scarcity of energy, which Asian countries have already suffered,” he said.
He added that removing access to such a large share of global supply would have unavoidable consequences for markets and economies.
Macron acknowledged the broader implications, describing the situation as a shared burden driven by forces beyond national control.
As diplomatic and security efforts intensify, the timeline for reopening the strait remains uncertain, with global markets closely monitoring developments.